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Gordon Howell

Born In: Sydney Mines

Passed in: Florence
Passed on: January 11th, 2016

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing, at home, of our loving father and husband, Gordon Howell, Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at the age of 75.
Born in Sydney Mines, Gordon was the son of the late Thomas and Beatrice (Bradley) Howell of Ocean Street. Gordon loved to work and to volunteer and spent the majority of his days doing both. He was employed as a coal miner for 32 years, first at Princess colliery in Sydney Mines and later at the Prince mine in Point Aconi. He was a fisherman at heart and spent countless hours at sea, fishing lobster, groundfish and his favourite, the elusive swordfish. Shift work in the mine allowed him to do both. He had no greater joy at sea than when he was accompanied by his brother Nick, nephew Nicky, and friends Jack, Jimmy and The Bear. The tales told at home after a day on the water bring some of our fondest memories.
Dad was very active in his community as a volunteer firefighter, serving 35 years as a member and 10 years as chief of the Florence Volunteer Fire Department. He served as harbour master of the Ballast Grounds in North Sydney, was an active member of the Sydney Mines Pensioners Club and a proud member and volunteer with the Cape Breton North Liberal Association and Nova Scotia Liberals. He took great pride in seeing Justin Trudeau take office this past fall.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eleanor (McGean), Florence; son, Gordie (Denise), Sydney Mines; daughter, Monique Cashin (Patrick), North Sydney; and grandchildren, Kyle, Sean and Bridget Claire, who were the light in his life. Also surviving are brothers, Kenny, Sydney and William, Winnipeg, and many very close nieces and nephews, as well as his extended McGean family.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Nicholas, James, Archie; and sisters, Linda, Deloris, Lillian, Marjorie, and Rose Christine in infancy.
There was no greater example than our dad. He treated everyone equally and genuinely cared for the well being of others, family and strangers alike. He worked hard, played hard and loved a good laugh and a game of 45s. Our father was a solid guy.
Visitation will take place Thursday, Jan. 14, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. We invite you to celebrate his life with us on Friday, Jan. 15, at Carman United Church at 2 p.m. with Rev. Nick Phillips officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fillmore and Whitman Funeral Home, 10 Clyde Ave., Sydney Mines.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
We would like to invite the participation of all firefighters, past and present at the funeral service for Gordon on Friday.
Messages and memorials may be directed to Gordon's family by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com.